Arsenal kick start negotiations with Barca’s David Villa

ARSENAL have made a last-ditch attempt to snatch David Villa before the transfer window closes on Thursday.

Arsenal have not given up hope of landing Barcelona striker David Villa

The Barcelona forward has been on Arsene Wenger’s radar for some time now, and a deal looked to have fizzled out earlier this month when the La Liga giants knocked back the Gunner’s approach for him.

However, the Gunners haven’t given up and their contract negotiator, Dicky Law, has flown out to Spain to reach a deal.

Arsenal are yet to announce any new signings, and though Wenger lavished praise on Olivier Giroud after his performance against Brighton in the FA Cup, he is on the lookout for another striker to galvanise the club and its supporters, whose patience with their manager is wearing thin.

Goal reveals Wenger is prepared to splash out £13.8m to sign him on a permanent deal and he will match is current £110,000-a-week wages.

They also explain how Villa is still open to the idea of moving to Arsenal, as he has become increasingly frustrated with the lack of opportunities at the Camp Nou.